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Nightmareland Chronicles #2
Lullaby
Something else.
These are the words John Hawthorne whispers on a forgotten back road when a passing cloud reveals the moon.
Something else.
For the moon cannot shine without the sun, and so its presence above can only mean there are other forces at play behind the night. Terrible, unspeakable forces, whose designs for humanity will soon become known...
Lullaby is the second volume of the Nightmareland Chronicles,, an ongoing serialized adventure horror epic following one man's journey to reach his estranged daughter in a world claimed by eternal night.
These are the words John Hawthorne whispers on a forgotten back road when a passing cloud reveals the moon.
Something else.
For the moon cannot shine without the sun, and so its presence above can only mean there are other forces at play behind the night. Terrible, unspeakable forces, whose designs for humanity will soon become known...
Lullaby is the second volume of the Nightmareland Chronicles,, an ongoing serialized adventure horror epic following one man's journey to reach his estranged daughter in a world claimed by eternal night.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
8 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Barnett
15 books257 followersDaniel Barnett lives in Portland, Oregon and is a lover of stories--especially ones where things go bump in the night. His work has appeared in Crowded Magazine, and his short story The Sadie Hawkins placed in the top 6 for the 2015 Aeon Award. When he isn't writing or reading, he's discussing fiction with others. Whether they want to or not.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 4, 2022
Absolutely the first series I think where I have ever in my entire life, I immediately read the follow-up, and the next, and the next and the next until there was nothing left to read. This series is absolutely phenomenal.
This volume does lose one star, simply because it's more of a table setting apéritif vs the main course, but this doesn't hurt it at all. At this stage of the journey is more of the mental journey of our intrepid anti-heroes. In this case, the brevity is actually welcomed. It sets the table for the horror that is to be unleashed in the following volumes.
I'll be writing the next one's review, probably tomorrow!
This volume does lose one star, simply because it's more of a table setting apéritif vs the main course, but this doesn't hurt it at all. At this stage of the journey is more of the mental journey of our intrepid anti-heroes. In this case, the brevity is actually welcomed. It sets the table for the horror that is to be unleashed in the following volumes.
I'll be writing the next one's review, probably tomorrow!
March 6, 2022
Lullaby is the second book in the Nightmareland Chronicles and in the beginning takes the reader to Holden, Nevada. Marcos Walker is experiencing darkness for the first time in his small town. Darkness has taken over the world and no one knows why.
Not only is darkness blurring the lines of reality, but TVs, radios and anything electronic has taken a life of its own.
While Marcos is waiting in a middle school auditorium for his Mom to come pick him up, John & Maria are driving through Death Valley. Things are going sideways for both of them and it will be Maria who gets them through the madness.
Another great addition to the series!
Lots of mystery and unease is building especially in regards to electronic devices.
I’m looking forward to finding out what’s really going on with the darkness and whether our main characters can survive in this post-apocalyptic world!
Not only is darkness blurring the lines of reality, but TVs, radios and anything electronic has taken a life of its own.
While Marcos is waiting in a middle school auditorium for his Mom to come pick him up, John & Maria are driving through Death Valley. Things are going sideways for both of them and it will be Maria who gets them through the madness.
Another great addition to the series!
Lots of mystery and unease is building especially in regards to electronic devices.
I’m looking forward to finding out what’s really going on with the darkness and whether our main characters can survive in this post-apocalyptic world!
May 17, 2025
What do I do when I can’t sleep? Of course, it is to read a horror story. Lullaby is the second book in the NightmareLand Chronicles series, by Daniel Barnett. I was attracted to the series because these books are novellas, around 100-200 pages long, so are good for in between longer reads… for that short, sharp, jolt of horror! 😱
What could be lurking in the eternal darkness?
John Hawthorne knows that the moon cannot shine without the sun, so this means that other forces are at play behind the night. Everything feels sinister, terrible, and evil. Can he reach his estranged daughter in time? He’s not alone in his travels, accompanied by a woman named Mariah, who John quickly needs to stick around if he is to survive in this nightmarish world.
(If you see this, kick my ass into finishing the series soon lmao!)
4 Stars
What could be lurking in the eternal darkness?
John Hawthorne knows that the moon cannot shine without the sun, so this means that other forces are at play behind the night. Everything feels sinister, terrible, and evil. Can he reach his estranged daughter in time? He’s not alone in his travels, accompanied by a woman named Mariah, who John quickly needs to stick around if he is to survive in this nightmarish world.
(If you see this, kick my ass into finishing the series soon lmao!)
4 Stars
March 3, 2022
Dark, atmospheric, mysterious - These words describe the continuation of this saga. I'm just as confused as before, but I am enjoying the ride to get there.
April 22, 2025
This installment continues in the vein of the first book although it was too short to be as enjoyable as that one. Nevertheless, this an excellent apocalyptic horror series with a dash of existential dread told in haunting prose full of unhope; exactly how the world should end. Or tales of its demise anyway. Highly recommend.
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January 23, 2022N.B. I don't rate on Goodreads. Please read the review.
When I read the first book in this series I commented on the fact that I never read series, simply because my TBR is such that I don't have time. This is the exception, and that's because what Daniel Barnett has done here is exceptional.
I almost finished this one in one session, that's how compelling it is.
At about 10% I suddenly realized what it is that draws me to this series, apart from the fact that it is so well written. For me, the crux of this series is the way in which the author portrays people's lack of control, the ensuing mayhem, the 'madness en masse'. The fact that within this 'new' world, this 'after-the-event' world only a small minority of people manage to remain sane is what makes it so frightening. At least, that's what does it for me, because horror is, after all, about one's lack of control.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Trust me, you don't want to miss out.
When I read the first book in this series I commented on the fact that I never read series, simply because my TBR is such that I don't have time. This is the exception, and that's because what Daniel Barnett has done here is exceptional.
I almost finished this one in one session, that's how compelling it is.
At about 10% I suddenly realized what it is that draws me to this series, apart from the fact that it is so well written. For me, the crux of this series is the way in which the author portrays people's lack of control, the ensuing mayhem, the 'madness en masse'. The fact that within this 'new' world, this 'after-the-event' world only a small minority of people manage to remain sane is what makes it so frightening. At least, that's what does it for me, because horror is, after all, about one's lack of control.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Trust me, you don't want to miss out.
March 12, 2022
LULLABY is the second, and a superb entry in Daniel Barnett's Nightmareland Chronicles!
In this slim volume we continue to follow the two main protagonists, John and Mariah. We get to learn a bit more about them both as they attempt to cross the country in a world without a sun. John is injured, so most of this book is from Mariah's point of view.
The mystery still remains: what happened to the sun? If there's no sun, how can we still have a moon in the night sky? (The moon has no light of its own, it's just a reflection of the sun's light.) How come so many people descended into madness when the sun disappeared? You'll have to read this and then a few more, I guess, before we find out!
Luckily this story is intriguing and engaging, and I'm definitely interested to find out more, so on to the next book, next month!
*Thank you to Daniel Barnett for the paperback in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
In this slim volume we continue to follow the two main protagonists, John and Mariah. We get to learn a bit more about them both as they attempt to cross the country in a world without a sun. John is injured, so most of this book is from Mariah's point of view.
The mystery still remains: what happened to the sun? If there's no sun, how can we still have a moon in the night sky? (The moon has no light of its own, it's just a reflection of the sun's light.) How come so many people descended into madness when the sun disappeared? You'll have to read this and then a few more, I guess, before we find out!
Luckily this story is intriguing and engaging, and I'm definitely interested to find out more, so on to the next book, next month!
*Thank you to Daniel Barnett for the paperback in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
March 10, 2022
Lullaby was a good continuation in the series and it left me even more eager to get to the next book than from book one. It had some true creep factors I look for when I read books like these. Daniel Barnett has a way of truly spinning a good story. 4.5 stars
December 6, 2021
Great but not quite the same impact as the first installment, maybe due to this being so short.
June 15, 2021
This novella series is so captivating. Lullaby is only 100ish pages long. But as short as it is we get a lot of great moments! Mariah really has a chance to shine here. In the first Novella, she is more akin to a damsel in distress. That is not the case here. We are dealing with her coming to terms with her unwanted pregnancy and after something happens she has to step up and take control of events while John is out of commission.
This also has those great moments that I am starting to expect from Daniel Barnett's books. He writes nightmare horror like no one else I have read. Granted I must admit I am not well-read in the horror genre but there is something about Daniel's prose that grabs ahold of you and refuses to let go. This second entry in the nightmare land chronicles ios an absolute delight and just may give you the willies as you read it.
This also has those great moments that I am starting to expect from Daniel Barnett's books. He writes nightmare horror like no one else I have read. Granted I must admit I am not well-read in the horror genre but there is something about Daniel's prose that grabs ahold of you and refuses to let go. This second entry in the nightmare land chronicles ios an absolute delight and just may give you the willies as you read it.
September 1, 2020
Another banger. Fast paced, scary and thrilling. Why must it be so short though....I need more.
March 14, 2022
LULLABY is part 2 of Daniel Barnett's Nightmareland Chronicles. This book was more "psychological" than action, for the most part. It helped further the characters, their lives, and how they are attempting to cope with the "new" reality. While a little more is hinted at, being a series we don't get the full idea of WHY/WHAT is going on just yet. This book served to whet my appetite for the next installment.
Recommended, after Book 1.
Recommended, after Book 1.
July 1, 2020
It is rare when the second book of a series surpasses the first.
In no way am I diminishing the amazing first book, Nightfall. Nightfall was superbly written, it grabbed my attention and I have literally had it on my mind ever since I read it, attempting to muse out its mysteries while waiting for the second book.
Lullaby is a one sitting read. I didn't want to put it down - except that I had a bit of a fright at a certain part when my lights flickered and went out - right as Mariah made a ghastly discovery...I literally read "Mariah screamed." And the lights went out. I decided I might should wait and read this book in the daytime....lol
This book continued the story of Mariah and John as they leave Sheridan and head in search of John's family. Mariah's character development was strong and compelling - just spectacular to watch it happen.
A few curious things I picked up in this one and more questions and mysteries added - I am in physical pain waiting for the third book already.
I've said it before, I'll say it again - Daniel Barnett is a genius. He leveled up on this one.
In no way am I diminishing the amazing first book, Nightfall. Nightfall was superbly written, it grabbed my attention and I have literally had it on my mind ever since I read it, attempting to muse out its mysteries while waiting for the second book.
Lullaby is a one sitting read. I didn't want to put it down - except that I had a bit of a fright at a certain part when my lights flickered and went out - right as Mariah made a ghastly discovery...I literally read "Mariah screamed." And the lights went out. I decided I might should wait and read this book in the daytime....lol
This book continued the story of Mariah and John as they leave Sheridan and head in search of John's family. Mariah's character development was strong and compelling - just spectacular to watch it happen.
A few curious things I picked up in this one and more questions and mysteries added - I am in physical pain waiting for the third book already.
I've said it before, I'll say it again - Daniel Barnett is a genius. He leveled up on this one.
October 9, 2024
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
4.5/5 stars
In Lullaby, Daniel Barnett takes his mania-fueled Nightmareland Chronicles to an entirely new level of human terror as we venture straight into Death Valley. It takes everything that was so darkly intriguing about Nightfall and just dials it up to eleven; this is how you write one hell of a sequel.
Look, Barnett set the bar almost stupidly high with Nightfall, which is absolutely one of the most ambitious starts to a series I have ever read. And yet, Lullaby did not only meet the quality of its predecessor, but totally exceeded it in every way possible. The storytelling becomes even more intoxicatingly intimate and the looming sense of (psychological) dread only grows more terrifying, which fully established that deep emotional investment that I was yearning for when reading Nightfall.
Whereas the first book felt a bit scattered in its storytelling with many quick POV switches to different townspeople, Lullaby really narrows down the scope and becomes a much less disorienting (though still properly insane) narrative. Aside from the first chapter, which serves as a little introductory vignette about a deaf boy who comes to play a role in the story later on, we focus solely on John and Mariah as they set off on the promised quest through a world claimed by eternal night to reach John’s estranged daughter.
And to no one’s surprise, their journey soon becomes a road trip from hell. They are haunted and hunted by terrors both internal and external, and Barnett does a scarily terrific job of capturing their raw human emotions on the page. Especially some revelations about Mariah really hit me like a brick, playing into my own deepest aversions and fears in a way I was not prepared for.
Moreover, as I listened along to the audiobook of Lullaby, Adam Gold’s mesmerising and hypnotic narration added a whole extra layer of creepiness to the mysteriously malignant eponymous lullaby that becomes one of the key threats and horror factors in this instalment. At points I felt like his performance had some supernatural force of magic to it that transported me into this horrific narrative without a way back; Barnett’s lyrical yet sharp prose and Gold’s enthralling narration are a match made in heaven, or should I say hell?
While Lullaby doesn’t provide many answers about the overarching mystery of the sudden disappearance of the sun, it absolutely shines in its terrific character development and emotional gut punches. It’s truly insane how much Barnett is able to pack into only 100-ish pages, rapidly filling my black hole of a soul with all the most disturbing and dark delights; The Nightmareland Chronicles honestly transcends genre, it is just raw human storytelling at its very best, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5/5 stars
In Lullaby, Daniel Barnett takes his mania-fueled Nightmareland Chronicles to an entirely new level of human terror as we venture straight into Death Valley. It takes everything that was so darkly intriguing about Nightfall and just dials it up to eleven; this is how you write one hell of a sequel.
Look, Barnett set the bar almost stupidly high with Nightfall, which is absolutely one of the most ambitious starts to a series I have ever read. And yet, Lullaby did not only meet the quality of its predecessor, but totally exceeded it in every way possible. The storytelling becomes even more intoxicatingly intimate and the looming sense of (psychological) dread only grows more terrifying, which fully established that deep emotional investment that I was yearning for when reading Nightfall.
Whereas the first book felt a bit scattered in its storytelling with many quick POV switches to different townspeople, Lullaby really narrows down the scope and becomes a much less disorienting (though still properly insane) narrative. Aside from the first chapter, which serves as a little introductory vignette about a deaf boy who comes to play a role in the story later on, we focus solely on John and Mariah as they set off on the promised quest through a world claimed by eternal night to reach John’s estranged daughter.
And to no one’s surprise, their journey soon becomes a road trip from hell. They are haunted and hunted by terrors both internal and external, and Barnett does a scarily terrific job of capturing their raw human emotions on the page. Especially some revelations about Mariah really hit me like a brick, playing into my own deepest aversions and fears in a way I was not prepared for.
Moreover, as I listened along to the audiobook of Lullaby, Adam Gold’s mesmerising and hypnotic narration added a whole extra layer of creepiness to the mysteriously malignant eponymous lullaby that becomes one of the key threats and horror factors in this instalment. At points I felt like his performance had some supernatural force of magic to it that transported me into this horrific narrative without a way back; Barnett’s lyrical yet sharp prose and Gold’s enthralling narration are a match made in heaven, or should I say hell?
While Lullaby doesn’t provide many answers about the overarching mystery of the sudden disappearance of the sun, it absolutely shines in its terrific character development and emotional gut punches. It’s truly insane how much Barnett is able to pack into only 100-ish pages, rapidly filling my black hole of a soul with all the most disturbing and dark delights; The Nightmareland Chronicles honestly transcends genre, it is just raw human storytelling at its very best, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2021
Wow! Just wow! I am still blown away by the tense situations and overall feelings that Daniel Barnett can make me feel in just a few pages. He just continues to keep me on the edge of my seat and even when I plan to stretch out the reading so that I don't finish too quickly, I find myself reading just one more chapter until the chapters are all gone and I'm left reeling and ready for the next book. This is continuing right where book one left off and we keep following John and Mariah as they make their way along in the dark. No spoilers here because I want everyone to read it for themselves. It's just a great story and I am fully hooked and will definitely be back for more.
July 26, 2023
Took me a while to get to this second installment. I have no idea why. It's absolutely fantastic.
I ordered the rest of the series straight away. I already owned part six from a deal a while ago.
Daniel's writing is top notch. Super engaging, hits a lot of emotions, and goes a little darker than the first.
Class.
I ordered the rest of the series straight away. I already owned part six from a deal a while ago.
Daniel's writing is top notch. Super engaging, hits a lot of emotions, and goes a little darker than the first.
Class.
October 28, 2022
I really wasn’t sure if I was going to line this chapter. I know the story is slowly unfolding, but I just couldn’t see it. This was a creepy meandering ride through the desert with Mariah as the focal point. At first nothing seemed to make sense. But by the end I could put it all together.
Also there is some great descriptive phrases thrown about: “It would be soft and sweet, a voice like caramel as it melts in the mouth, and he would call back to her with a voice that wasn’t his voice but a good one, and it would be like they were together in the same room, talking.” “ The glass was cool. During the day, Death Valley got hot enough to torch the record books, but at night the desert slipped its heat off like a gown.”
“Because these were the kind of scars you read about in the darkest of fairytales. Not real life. These were the scars that came to mind when you thought of dark woods and bitter winters. Of deep snow and frozen rivers… and wolves.”
Also there is some great descriptive phrases thrown about: “It would be soft and sweet, a voice like caramel as it melts in the mouth, and he would call back to her with a voice that wasn’t his voice but a good one, and it would be like they were together in the same room, talking.” “ The glass was cool. During the day, Death Valley got hot enough to torch the record books, but at night the desert slipped its heat off like a gown.”
“Because these were the kind of scars you read about in the darkest of fairytales. Not real life. These were the scars that came to mind when you thought of dark woods and bitter winters. Of deep snow and frozen rivers… and wolves.”
August 7, 2020
I finished LULLABY, the second installment in the Nightmareland series, by Daniel Barnett and I already can't wait for Volume Three! In this story, we briefly meet a new character who I am sure will play a much larger role as the series progresses. After our quick introduction we get to hang back out with our faves: John and Mariah! They are fresh off their exodus from Volume One traversing Death Valley towards John's family... and this trip is full of revelations, tragedy, and EXTREME darkness! One scene seriously made me gag - but might just be me! I absolutely LOVED Mariah's character growth in this one and she has solidified herself as my fave! If you've not done so already, definitely check out these books! 4 stars!
August 5, 2020
“She did not know where she was or where she was going, and she did not care. The only thought she had room for was no.”
The latest release from Daniel Barnett is the second entry in his Nightmareland Chronicles—an ongoing apocalyptic saga. Talk about fitting reading for the times in which we live.
Lullaby is the rare sequel which bests its predecessor. Barnett takes what worked well in Nightfall and expands. What stuck out most, to me, was the deep and meaningful character development on display here. Mariah is especially fleshed out, and I can’t wait to see where her arc takes the reader. Her character actually stole the show; I found myself wanting to spend even more time with her.
And speaking of characters I can’t wait to spend more time with: Marcos. Barnett does a lot with a little when introducing this character to the reader: with only a few strokes the writer gives just enough to make Marcos intriguing, and sympathetic. More, please!
Despite (or maybe because of) a lack of a “big” climax or any major action scenes, Lullaby is an effective, unpredictable, and chilling horror story: one which once begun is simply unyielding and sure to burrow itself under the reader’s skin. This might be my favorite book from Daniel Barnett yet, and it’s sure to please fans of Nightfall.
The latest release from Daniel Barnett is the second entry in his Nightmareland Chronicles—an ongoing apocalyptic saga. Talk about fitting reading for the times in which we live.
Lullaby is the rare sequel which bests its predecessor. Barnett takes what worked well in Nightfall and expands. What stuck out most, to me, was the deep and meaningful character development on display here. Mariah is especially fleshed out, and I can’t wait to see where her arc takes the reader. Her character actually stole the show; I found myself wanting to spend even more time with her.
And speaking of characters I can’t wait to spend more time with: Marcos. Barnett does a lot with a little when introducing this character to the reader: with only a few strokes the writer gives just enough to make Marcos intriguing, and sympathetic. More, please!
Despite (or maybe because of) a lack of a “big” climax or any major action scenes, Lullaby is an effective, unpredictable, and chilling horror story: one which once begun is simply unyielding and sure to burrow itself under the reader’s skin. This might be my favorite book from Daniel Barnett yet, and it’s sure to please fans of Nightfall.
November 23, 2021
I read book one of this series a few months back and bloody loved it, and it’s a testament to Barnett’s writing, world-building and story that after a break and then cracking open this book I was able to dive straight back into this most stunning of series and never missed a beat!
This book feels like a segway into a larger story, but there’s nothing wrong with that - the prose is wonderful, the pace is punchy, the story development and character development is on point, and the horror - well that begins to creep in, a blurring at the edges!
I read this book in a few hours and that was down to the fabulous writing on show, Barnett keeps the tension high and the foot on the gas - much like our protagonist for most of this story!
I enjoyed the opening chapter - the school and then the way Barnett takes us away to focus on our main protagonists from book one, where we learn more of what’s happening and as we approach the part of the story where these lives intersect / I began to realise what had happened in the journey to get here, the horrors revealed to us slowly by Barnett - also or perhaps befell our chapter one peeps… and that, that gave me chills!
Can’t wait to see where this goes, but I can tell you I’m buckled in for the ride!
This book feels like a segway into a larger story, but there’s nothing wrong with that - the prose is wonderful, the pace is punchy, the story development and character development is on point, and the horror - well that begins to creep in, a blurring at the edges!
I read this book in a few hours and that was down to the fabulous writing on show, Barnett keeps the tension high and the foot on the gas - much like our protagonist for most of this story!
I enjoyed the opening chapter - the school and then the way Barnett takes us away to focus on our main protagonists from book one, where we learn more of what’s happening and as we approach the part of the story where these lives intersect / I began to realise what had happened in the journey to get here, the horrors revealed to us slowly by Barnett - also or perhaps befell our chapter one peeps… and that, that gave me chills!
Can’t wait to see where this goes, but I can tell you I’m buckled in for the ride!
December 28, 2023
I am obsessed
I may do a full review after I've read the other books in the series, I cannot stop reading, the writing is amazing, I laughed so much at "flat throated woman"
Ahhhh so excited to see where this goes!
I may do a full review after I've read the other books in the series, I cannot stop reading, the writing is amazing, I laughed so much at "flat throated woman"
Ahhhh so excited to see where this goes!
June 19, 2021
Whoa! I read this book in one sitting. The writing was so good I felt like I was there with the characters going through every struggle.
March 5, 2022
This series of Novellas are getting better as they go along.
January 10, 2022
I have just finished Lullaby and the prose really is something else. I'm completely hooked and lost in his use of words, highlighting so many sentences and taking notes as I go that it looks like I'm going to take an exam on it 😅 I'm starting Sleepwalking right away
April 6, 2023
The Nightmareland Chronicles continue! Mariah struggles to keep John alive through a brutal journey across Death Valley in a world of total darkness. As with the first volume, a masterwork of character and emotion, which makes the horror of a ruined world more potent.
September 26, 2020
Nightfall, the debut for Barnett’s new Nightmareland series, was one of my Top Reads of 2019; so, clearly I’ve been eagerly anticipating the next installment. Enter Lullaby, a bridge-like novella that extends us to the next big move in John and Maria’s journey together. Let’s check out this quick blurb for it:
“Something else.
These are the words John Hawthorne whispers on a forgotten back road when a passing cloud reveals the moon.
Something else.
For the moon cannot shine without the sun, and so its presence above can only mean there are other forces at play behind the night. Terrible, unspeakable forces, whose designs for humanity will soon become known . . .”
Though it feels like little happens in these 97 pages, we actually learn some important things. One, as you’ve probably assumed, is the disappearance of the sun isn’t something natural. It didn’t just die. Strange things are at play. I note this because it’s right there in the blurb, and not what I would consider a spoiler. Two, I cannot say, because it is not in the blurb. But let’s just say the strange gets stranger. (Que unnerving static.) And three, more characters will come into play moving forward. Seeing as Barnett has said Nightmareland will be twelve or more entries deep, that is no surprise (though a welcomed confirmation!).
So, here’s the thing: even if this is what I would call (and already called above) a “bridge” installment in the series, it is still fantastic. You know you’re reading a good writer when a bridge book makes you swoon. Barnett’s writing here consistently brought to mind Stephen King, which was exciting (seeing as King is my biggest influence and idol in writing style) - he has a way of sounding both informal and poetic, crass yet appropriately literary. For a horror novel to do that is something very special. Barnett writes like a madman pouring out his every passing thought, none of which feels useless or existing for shock. It all works together because it all belongs together.
Nightmareland is just getting started, people. With at least another ten installments on the way, it’s safe to say Barnett is attempting an epic in the likes of The Stand - and I’m more than down for that. In fact, I think I said this same thing for Nightfall, more or less.
Barnett can write!
Review by Aiden Merchant (Author of Dead as Soon as Born, Kill for Them, and Horrific Holidays)
- www.aidenmerchant.com (Also on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon)
- contact@aidenmerchant.com (Message for review consideration)
“Something else.
These are the words John Hawthorne whispers on a forgotten back road when a passing cloud reveals the moon.
Something else.
For the moon cannot shine without the sun, and so its presence above can only mean there are other forces at play behind the night. Terrible, unspeakable forces, whose designs for humanity will soon become known . . .”
Though it feels like little happens in these 97 pages, we actually learn some important things. One, as you’ve probably assumed, is the disappearance of the sun isn’t something natural. It didn’t just die. Strange things are at play. I note this because it’s right there in the blurb, and not what I would consider a spoiler. Two, I cannot say, because it is not in the blurb. But let’s just say the strange gets stranger. (Que unnerving static.) And three, more characters will come into play moving forward. Seeing as Barnett has said Nightmareland will be twelve or more entries deep, that is no surprise (though a welcomed confirmation!).
So, here’s the thing: even if this is what I would call (and already called above) a “bridge” installment in the series, it is still fantastic. You know you’re reading a good writer when a bridge book makes you swoon. Barnett’s writing here consistently brought to mind Stephen King, which was exciting (seeing as King is my biggest influence and idol in writing style) - he has a way of sounding both informal and poetic, crass yet appropriately literary. For a horror novel to do that is something very special. Barnett writes like a madman pouring out his every passing thought, none of which feels useless or existing for shock. It all works together because it all belongs together.
Nightmareland is just getting started, people. With at least another ten installments on the way, it’s safe to say Barnett is attempting an epic in the likes of The Stand - and I’m more than down for that. In fact, I think I said this same thing for Nightfall, more or less.
Barnett can write!
Review by Aiden Merchant (Author of Dead as Soon as Born, Kill for Them, and Horrific Holidays)
- www.aidenmerchant.com (Also on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon)
- contact@aidenmerchant.com (Message for review consideration)
December 26, 2022
I give a 4-star rating to the Nightmareland Chronicles series as a whole. Keep up the good work young Daniel Barnett 😉
On my way to #3 🙂
On my way to #3 🙂
September 17, 2023
Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Ok, guys! I am hooked on this story!! "Lullaby" is really moving us along and setting the stage for the rest of this story and I am here 👏 for 👏 it 👏
Lullaby is the continuation of Nightfall in The NightmareLand Cronicles series.
Barnett writes so vividly and beautifully. I felt like I was experiencing everything with Mariah on this journey through Death Valley that she and John are now on escaping the chaos of their home and attempting to get to Maine for reasons that would be spoilers and I try to give my reviews without spoilers 😉... The world is in the forever dark now with an even scarier realization of what this new world brings with sleeping white eyes and creepy smiles - awake but not awake...
What is this lullaby? Who is the mysterious crying boy? What caused the darkness?
Ooohhhh this is so juicy! I love it!
I highly recommend this series so far... Can't wait to read "Sleepwalking" the third book in this creepy, sad, mysterious, horror series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Ok, guys! I am hooked on this story!! "Lullaby" is really moving us along and setting the stage for the rest of this story and I am here 👏 for 👏 it 👏
Lullaby is the continuation of Nightfall in The NightmareLand Cronicles series.
Barnett writes so vividly and beautifully. I felt like I was experiencing everything with Mariah on this journey through Death Valley that she and John are now on escaping the chaos of their home and attempting to get to Maine for reasons that would be spoilers and I try to give my reviews without spoilers 😉... The world is in the forever dark now with an even scarier realization of what this new world brings with sleeping white eyes and creepy smiles - awake but not awake...
What is this lullaby? Who is the mysterious crying boy? What caused the darkness?
Ooohhhh this is so juicy! I love it!
I highly recommend this series so far... Can't wait to read "Sleepwalking" the third book in this creepy, sad, mysterious, horror series!
Read
January 28, 2022(Note: My reviews on Goodreads are no longer starred) The saga continues in this novella, continuing the journey of Mariah and John, introducing another, adding in hints about why the sun has vanished and night is permanent. The landscape is a major feature of this story, a character in its own right and is expertly drawn to pull you completely into the story. In description, pacing and the detail of life, Barnett reminds me very much of Stephen King. And like the previous volume, this one ends in such a way, you need to pick up the next one in the series immediately. Volume Three, here I come!
April 11, 2021
Totally invested in this series at this point, and I’m usually not one to commit to such things. I’m more of a stand-alone oriented reader but I will see this through to the end. Daniel Barnett can fucking write. Period.
While this volume is still more on the introductory side, I was invested, and found myself emotionally invested and introspective at times when a line would resonate with me.
If you’re on the fence, get off it. This series is the real deal.
While this volume is still more on the introductory side, I was invested, and found myself emotionally invested and introspective at times when a line would resonate with me.
If you’re on the fence, get off it. This series is the real deal.
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